Aug. 25, 2008

Utah Valley University Director of Athletics Mike Jacobsen announced Monday plans to build the Hal Wing Track and Field, the school's newest athletic facility named after the project's principle donor.

The $1.2 million facility will be located on the northwest side of campus just north of the McKay Events Center where there is currently a wetlands area. Building is tentatively scheduled to begin in late March after approval from the Utah State Legislature.

Hal Wing was on hand at the announcement with his wife Brigitte and spoke openly about his passion for UV athletics and the work ethic of student-athletes, especially track and field athletes.

"Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this exciting day," he told the athletes on hand at the announcement. "I agreed with President [William] Sederburg that this school will be a world-wide university, and you will be the ones to take it there."

Seating will be available for 1,500 people in bleachers, and numerous grass burms will be landscaped on which spectators can also sit. A press box will also be part of the project.

"We're thrilled about this new facility," Jacobsen said. "We're confident that this will be something that our student-athletes and the community can all be proud of."

The Wolverine track and field team won both the men's and women's National Athletic Conference Championships in 2008, and head coach Scott Houle was named NAC Coach of the Year for both his men's and women's squads.